In case you haven't noticed, Birkenstocks are having a major resurgence lately. If you want to enjoy them, you need to know how to clean your Birkenstocks.
Why is it worth investing in Birkenstocks?
The sandals provide excellent arch support and conform to the shape of your foot, making them incredibly comfortable. They come in a variety of styles, from classic brown or black leather to metallic gold or chic satin. And as a street style favorite, they're super versatile and pair well with jeans, sundresses and even suits. You can opt for a high-fashion version, such as a pair with a Valentino logo, or you can choose a casual model in navy suede and let your outfit take center stage. The possibilities are truly endless.
Like any shoes you wear regularly, Birkenstocks look best when you give them regular attention. So, you should adopt a regular cleaning routine to keep it in top shape. No one wants to walk around in shoes that have a sweaty imprint of their foot on them. These simple tricks will help you keep your Birkenstocks looking new.
How can you style Birkenstocks for a trendy summer 2022 look? Thefind out here!
Cleaning Birkenstocks – This will keep your shoes looking like new
Wipe them regularly to remove dirt and grass
The easiest way to keep your Birkenstocks looking nice is to ensure that dirt doesn't get into the footbed, which can cause discoloration. Wipe them with a damp cloth every few weeks. If you are traveling in muddy or grassy areas, have your Birkenstocks cleaned immediately upon your return. If you do this before you go to bed, they should be dry in the morning.
Never dry your shoes in direct sunlight
According to the Birkenstock care page on the company's website, heat is the enemy of your shoes. Direct heat can cause cracking and cause your Birkenstocks to deteriorate more quickly. After cleaning, dry your shoes in a cool place away from windows and doors. This is the best way to ensure the longevity of your shoes.
It's tempting to put them in the dryer to speed things up, but that's also a no-no. Plan to clean your shoes on a day when you don't plan to wear them and give them at least 24 hours to dry completely.
Choose a DIY cleaning method to remove stains
Clean Birkenstocks with baking soda: Luckily, it's pretty easy to clean your Birkenstocks at home with a simple paste of baking soda or borax and water. Mix either powder with a small amount of water, just enough to form a paste. Rub a quarter of the paste into the footbed of a shoe. After spreading the paste with your hands, use an old toothbrush to boost the cleaning power.
Gently scrub the paste into the footbed using circular motions. Rinse the paste off with water and repeat the process with the other shoe. Apply the rest of the paste to your shoes and leave it overnight. Rinse your shoes again the next morning. Once dry, your Birkenstocks will be noticeably cleaner.
Cleaning Birkenstocks – First, dry your suede sandals completely
Before scrubbing the unwanted dirt from your suede Birkenstocks, make sure they are completely dry. This way you won't further ruin the material while trying to remove dirt and grime.
Use a suede brush and pencil eraser
For suede Birkenstocks, once completely dry, use a gentle suede brush to brush off any dirt or stains. Brush in the direction of the grain to slowly remove the stuck-on dirt. For messes, try using an eraser not much different than a pencil eraser if that proves more practical.
Cleaning Birkenstocks – Try cornstarch
For oil stains, dab some cornstarch on your Birkenstocks and let it sit for a few hours. The powder will slowly absorb the oil from the material, which you can then brush off with a suede brush. If the cornstarch needs a little more time, you may want to try this method a second time.
How to Clean Birkenstocks – Use white vinegar
If you have a stubborn stain, you can use white vinegar. Using a microfiber cloth, dab a small amount onto the stain and rub gently. You want to moisten the material of your Birkenstocks, but not completely soak it. Allow the shoes to dry completely and try again if the stain persists.
